McCarthy's arm strength is clear, but precision development and health recovery remain evaluation focal points.

McCarthy arrived in 2024 as the 10th overall selection with a college championship and strong arm but was sidelined by a torn meniscus for the entire 2024 season. One teammate noted his throws last year were sometimes late. The Vikings must evaluate whether his inconsistent mechanics last year stemmed from health and inexperience or represent a longer-lingering barrier to precision. Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown acknowledged McCarthy's arm strength but emphasized the next step: "He can drive the ball, but it's really taking that next step as a passer and really be able to develop all the clubs in his bag, so to speak. And we felt like he made strides this spring and you should want to continue to see those manifest now obviously." McCarthy assessed his own improvement since fracturing his hand last season: "I'm certain I've grown, mentally and physically, just dramatically." He is receiving first- and second-team snaps alongside Murray, with Adam Thielen noting: "If J.J. McCarthy comes in and shows what he wasn't doing well last year, he could win that job."